Bonita Springs Outdoors Activities: Beaches, Parks, Attractions

Bonita Springs outdoors activities welcome you to explore the beauty of this popular Florida destination. Located north of Naples, Bonita Springs is a beach town full of natural beauty and family-friendly things to do. There are even dog-friendly beaches in Bonita Springs. Read about some popular Bonita Springs outdoor activities for your entire family:

Check Out the Beaches and Tours

From gently canoeing down the everglades to parasailing high over the Gulf, you’ll find an abundance of water activities in Bonita Springs. One leading company in the area is Bonita Jet Ski and Parasail. The company is located on Bonita Beach and offers your family everything needed for a day in the sun. You can rent sailboats and jet skis, try stand-up paddleboarding, or take the family out on a paddle boat or kayak. To get up-close with the dolphins, book a dolphin tour, which covers the Gulf and Estero Bay. Dolphin tours are available on jet skis and hold single to triple riders.

Those looking for a more traditional boat tour, should visit Estero Bay Express Dolphin and Sunset Boat Tours. The 40-foot Estero Bay Express II holds 30 guests, perfect for large groups and families. Plan to see dolphins, manatees, osprey and pelicans on your 1.5-hour tour. Couples can also bring their own cocktails and take in amazing sunset views on a tour of Estero Bay’s back waters.

Bonita Springs Outdoors: Parks and Trails

Once a romantic hideaway for couples, Lovers Key State Park has become a haven for wildlife and beach lovers. The state park consists of four barrier islands, which welcome you to enjoy Bonita Springs outdoors scene. The beach measures 2 miles and is a popular spot for shelling, swimming and relaxing. Boaters and anglers can head out via the boat ramp, and visitors can also kayak, bike, canoe, paddleboard and more. Black Island, located in Lovers Key State Park features more than 5 miles of multi-use trails for hiking and biking.

Bonita Beach Park is located at the northern tip of Bonita Beach. The park provides public access to the beach as well as facilities, including restrooms, picnic shelters, a volleyball court and playground. This beach does require a saltwater fishing license in order to fish.

Located in Estero, you’ll find history and beauty at Koreshan State Park. The park’s history dates from 1894, and notable sites include 11 historic structures from 1882-1920 and ornamental exotic vegetation spread throughout the park. Visitors can rent canoes or bring their boats, and enjoy self-guided or guided tours. Campers can set up a spot and have a picnic, or spend the night in its full-service campground.

There are several dog-friendly beach spots for your pets as well. Dog Beach is an off-leash beach where dogs roam free along the coast. Afterwards, visit the doggy showers, so they can get clean and cool off. Another top-rated spot is the Bonita Springs Dog Park, which online reviewers say is the perfect place to enjoy a day at the beach with their pets. The park features trails, water spots and plenty of places to play.

Enjoy Natural Attractions

Named the No. 2 Best Beach in the U.S. by Dr. Beach, Barefoot Beach Preserve features more than 340 acres of natural land. Wildlife watchers should bring the camera and observe the native plants and animals. You may encounter sea turtle nesting sites, the protected gopher tortoise and lots of species of birds. Anglers will also find a variety of fish, and hikers will enjoy only slight elevation changes. While visiting, take the family to one of the educational programs hosted by the park rangers.

Explore a historic botanical garden at Everglades Wonder Gardens. You’ll see trees, orchids, bamboos and more that have been here since 1936, when the garden was created. The grounds also houses an indoor attraction, the Natural History Museum, which features original collections. Outdoors, visit more than 3 acres of plants, rescued birds and other wildlife, including gators and reptiles. Everglades is also Bonita Springs original roadside attraction.